So you’ve decided to try your hand at creating your own blends. It’s a chance for you to be creative and adventurous. And you also get to bust out those oils you don’t seem to use that much. But when you’re just starting out with blending your essential oils, it can be a bit overwhelming. We’re here to get you started with all the tools and knowledge you need.
So… what are “notes” anyways?
If you spend enough time perusing our blog, you’ve probably seen the word “notes” a few times. Basically, each essential oil has a note, and that note helps determine how the oil will play with others. These notes can be separated into three categories: top, middle, and base. A top note is usually the first thing you’ll notice in a fragrance. They are usually fresh and uplifting and will also usually be the first to evaporate. Middle notes help give body and fullness to a blend. They’re often what holds the blend together and makes it work. Finally, we have base notes. It’s the foundation of your entire blend and will leave a lasting impression.
For a more in-depth look blending, notes and the overall process, check out our blog Top, Middle & Base Notes and How They Go Together.
Things you’ll want on hand
In addition to our list of top, middle, and base notes, there are some other supplies you’ll want to have nearby as you start blending. The first is a notebook, journal or essential oil organizer. When you start experimenting, you’ll want to take notes of what you like and what you don’t. The last thing you’d want is to come up with an amazing blend only to forget your exact ratios.
Another great tool to help you during your creative endeavors are fragrance strips. They allow you to test the scent of your oils as well as get a more accurate smell. Plus it’s an easy way to experiment with blending!
Now for the list
The moment you’ve been waiting for: a comprehensive list of all our essential oils. But before you get started, keep in mind that some oils blur the lines a little bit. They might be top to middle or middle to base. This list is a guideline to get you started on your blending journey.
Top Notes
- Basil Linalool
- Balm Mint Bush
- Bergamot
- Bergamot Mint
- Eucalyptus Dives
- Eucalyptus Globulus
- Eucalyptus Radiata
- Fennel
- Fragonia
- Grapefruit Pink
- Kumquat
- Kunzea
- Laurel Leaf
- Lemon
- Lemon Myrtle
- Lemon Tea Tree
- Lemongrass
- Lime
- Mandarin
- Moldavian Dragonhead
- Orange Blood
- Orange Sweet
- Peppermint
- Petitgrain
- Pine Scots
- Ravensara
- Ravintsara
- Rosalina
- Sage Dalmatian
- Saro
- Spearmint
- Spruce Black
- Tangerine
- Wintergreen
- Yuzu
Top to Middle
Middle Notes
- Allspice
- Balsam Fir
- Black Pepper
- Blue Cypress
- Blue Tansy
- Blue Yarrow
- Cajeput
- Camphor
- Caraway Seed
- Cardamom
- Carrot Seed
- Catnip
- Chamomile German
- Chamomile Roman
- Cinnamon Bark
- Cinnamon Cassia
- Cinnamon Leaf
- Citronella
- Clary Sage
- Clove Bud
- Coriander Seed
- Cypress
- Davana
- Dill Weed
- Elemi
- Geranium Bourbon
- Geranium Egyptian
- Ginger Root
- Helichrysum Italicum
- Ho Wood
- Jasmine Absolute
- Juniper Berry
- Magnolia Flower
- Manuka
- Marjoram Sweet
- May Chang
- Melissa
- Neroli
- Nutmeg
- Oregano
- Palmarosa
- Palo Santo
- Rhododendron
- Rose Absolute
- Rose Otto
- Rosemary
- Sea Fennel
- Star Anise
- Tea Tree
- Thyme
- Ylang Ylang Complete
- Ylang Ylang Extra
Base Notes
- Amyris
- Buddha Wood
- Cedarwood Atlas
- Cedarwood Himalayan
- Cedarwood Texas
- Cedarwood Virginian
- Coffee
- Copaiba Oleoresin
- Frankincense Carteri
- Frankincense Frereana
- Frankincense Serrata
- Myrrh
- Patchouli
- Peru Balsam
- Sandalwood Australian
- Sandalwood Indian
- Turmeric
- Vanilla
- Vetiver
Don’t forget to check out our Safe Essential Oil Recipes (SEOR) Facebook Group to join a fantastic community of essential oil lovers.
Great list! Thank you
Oh my goodness what a lovely comprehensive list! I had been searching everywhere to figure out where magnolia fell and it was here the whole time. Thank you plant therapy 🙂
I am saving this list! Great information. I have been wanting to mix more of my oils to create new smells. Thank you!
Ah finally a list of top, middle and bottom notes! I’ve always gotten confused and unsure of which scents fall into which categories. Very useful indeed 🙂
Thank-you PT. Very good information for creating your own blends. Now I can start blending properly!
So helpful! and fun. It makes me think of the ‘color wheel’ of EOs you’ve done. I’m wondering how that overlaps with notes. I’m thinking pretty similarly? A printable would be great too!
This is the most helpful article that I have seen in ages! Thank you so much. I am going to start blending again!
This list would be wonderful to have on a set of magnets to have handy on your fridge!
Thanks so much for this! You guys rock.
There are other blogs/articles with similar lists – but, none I have seen outside of perfumery or blending texts that are as comprehensive. Thanks for being so generous PT.
I bookmarked this blog. I like this list close at hand for quick reference. Thanks.
Thank you for this! I’ll be adding another column to my spreadsheet of oils! 😀
If I make blends, it’s mostly recipes from the fb-community (they are great and helpfull), but I just might try blending them myself with this article 🙂
Thanks again for your time and loving explanation <3
Such a helpful list, thanks! I second the motion to get it in a download format!
This would make a great info card set you could put on a key ring! I have herbal sets like this and love those handy cards. Thanks for the lists!
Love that you created this list. It is going to be so helpful.
I was wondering about “notes” so thanks for this! The lists make it easier to understand.
I had a list. Updated it with this information, marking the oils PT carries. Thanks!
Thank you. Thus is a helpful article. I will have to print it for future reference.
Love the list…it would be handy to have in a download to refer back to though…any chance of that in the near future?
That’s a fantastic idea! We’ll pass it along and see what we can do.
Oh thank you so much for this blog definitely had to store it & put in my oil binder
Oooh, thank you for this. This is so helpful for this newby. Can’t wait to start blending now.
this is such a good resource! Ill be bookmarking this and coming back regularly! You guys should publish a book with all your oil tips like these!
Thanks so much for making this list. It would be great if you could make it into a reference download too!
Thank you for this list…very helpful. Would be awesome in a printable download! Could add that to my PT notebook. Thank you.
Such a helpful article!! Thank you for the clarification.